The first shipment of Norton Motorcycles for the U.S. was loaded aboard ship, October 24, 2013. The arrival of the 2013 Norton Commando models brings to an end the nearly 4-decade-old drought for new Nortons built in Britain by British hands.

The first of the continuing small shipments includes Commando 961 Sport, Café Racer and SF models. The bikes built for the U.S. have the distinction of being some of the first out of the new production facility, Hasting House. Hastings House is a new, modern facility and provides more room for expansion of production. In addition to future growth, the layout of the Hastings House production area was designed from the beginning to enhance quality control, Norton's "no. 1 priority."

The building of each Norton is unique in this world of mass produced products. Each Norton Commando model is built by two technicians from start to finish. This time-consuming process is part of why shipments to each country are in such small batches, usually 10 to 20 at a time.

With the current number of riders who have placed deposits with a Norton dealer beyond expectations, Norton estimates that it will be well into the Spring of 2014 before the current orders are filled.

Many who have inquired about buying a new Norton have been surprised and frustrated to find that dealers have yet to be assigned in their regions. The time required to catch up with the current demand is Norton's primary reason for not adding more new dealers in the U.S. Norton is cautious to add dealers and frustrate more future owners with long wait times when it will be months before they fulfill current demand. However, they plan to expand with a conservative long term approach, and currently have a long list of dealers seeking to add Norton to their offerings.

there are three level of bikes. The last I heard the cheapest one was about $17K. these beasts have been shown at the IMS shows for about 4 years now. They are really nice and but, like the Triumphs twins, are much bigger than their predecessors. The $25K version uses a lot of carbon fiber. For whatever reasons, they have just taken forever to get here. I'm sure US smog crap has something to do with it. Their production rate is very low, too. Four years ago, Matt Capri of South Bay Triumph, was supposed to be their importer, but I don't know whether he is still the man, or not.Bare

I think they want a super premium collectors market at those prices.Also, they have ZERO dealer network in the US from what I can see. My next bike might be another Royal Enfield or maybe even a Harley or Honda. But I know it won't be a Norton. To me its an exotic bike, not a mass market motorcycle.

But who knows from what I gather Royal Enfield imports less than 3000 motorcycles a year to the United States. So its very possible that Norton will import more motorcycles than Royal Enfield.

I've seen pics of the bikes at the shows. They do look amazing. $17-25k for what is basically a hand built custom isn't really that bad, and one of the few you can get that doesn't look like a chopper It's definitely up market but I think they'll sell just fine. There are plenty of enthusiasts out there who will pay for the name and heritage, and the bike looks totally killed to boot.

Nice to see they're shipping to the US, but it's not for me. You could offer me a new Norton for the same price as a 1975 Commando barn find, and I'd still take the Commando. Something about turning a wrench on a old brit that makes me happy.

An Enfield for the fun,a Bonneville for the commute,and a Norton for the wrenching.

That's my idea of the perfect bike garage. And maybe a Vincent Black Shadow, as long as I'm wishing.

But who knows from what I gather Royal Enfield imports less than 3000 motorcycles a year to the United States.

CMW imports well under 1000 bikes a year to the US. Enfield's total exports to the world are about 3600 bikes. They sell upwards of 100,000 bikes in India though, and they are a far bigger producer than Triumph or Ducati (and Moto Guzzi) amongst may others. In the US, Enfields are barely a blip on the map.Bare

I like their looks better than I like the newer Bonneville's. I'd have liked taller wheels, but imagine they do well with what's on them. The Tanks are Beautiful, The engine looks similar to the original at first glance, But it is not. different transmission also, & finally well placed pegs, I give them Very High Marks for design, Now if they perform also.....